#China #Beijing #Beijing Expo #World Winter Sports #Winter Sports Industry

World Winter Sports Expo 2025: A New Era Begins

On May 15, 2025, an important press conference for the World Winter Sports Expo (WWSE) was held in Beijing’s Shijingshan District. The theme for this year, "Hello Again World", signifies a fresh beginning as the expo embarks on its second decade as a vital platform in the winter sports industry. Attendees included government officials, diplomats from various leading winter sports nations, industry representatives, and nearly 100 journalists from around the globe, all eager to discuss the future of winter sports.

Shaping the Ice and Snow Future

Opening remarks were delivered by Zhang Shengjun, Vice Mayor of Shijingshan District. He spoke about the fruitful collaboration between the WWSE and Shijingshan, which has spanned almost a decade, emphasizing the significant role this partnership plays in the development of the ice and snow industry. His message was clear: the 10th WWSE in Shijingshan is not just a celebration but a launchpad for a new chapter in economic growth and opportunities, not only for the local industry but also for global winter sports collaboration.

Shijingshan aims to continue strengthening ties with the WWSE, focusing on boosting investment and establishing connections with well-known ice and snow companies from both domestic and international domains. Enhanced facilities, improved services, and robust industry chain integrations will form the backbone of this ambitious strategy, creating an all-encompassing ecosystem where sports, tourism, culture, and cutting-edge technology coalesce.

A Decade of Transformative Growth

Reflecting on the ten-year journey, Ms. Zhang Li, Co-President of Asia Digital Group, commended the WWSE’s evolution into a global benchmark within the winter sports sector. Launched in 2016, the expo has considerably broadened its scope and reach, promoting international cooperation and establishing itself as a crucial hub for the winter sports community. The expo has garnered participation from various leading international organizations like the International Olympic Committee and the International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation, connecting over 30 countries and regions—including powerhouse nations such as Finland and Austria. With an impressive 68% internationalization rate, the WWSE provides a compelling framework to drive growth and development in the sector.

The WWSE's impact on the global winter sports market cannot be understated. From a mere 270 billion yuan in 2015, China’s winter sports market is projected to escalate to an estimated 1 trillion yuan by 2025, increasing its global market share from 3% to 15%. This growth has been fueled by initiatives to engage 300 million residents in winter sports, further positioning China as a pivotal player on the international stage.

Innovative Activities and International Engagement

The press conference unveiled plans for the expo’s tenth anniversary, emphasizing three primary highlights: internationalization, industrialization, and innovative endeavors. This year’s WWSE will introduce an extensive range of activities, including exhibitions, forums, and a vibrant winter sports carnival designed to attract spectators and participants alike. With expected contributions from major winter sports countries like Japan and Germany, international participation is anticipated to exceed 60%.

Interactive forums will serve as discussion hubs for key industry stakeholders, government representatives, and executives from leading global winter sports brands, all aimed at fostering deeper international cooperation and exchange. Notable programs such as the Global Cities Partnership are designed to connect China with winter sports giants worldwide.

The expo also aims to facilitate industrial growth by connecting participants with tailored solutions across various segments, ranging from culture and equipment to tourism. Special initiatives will include entrepreneurship competitions and resource procurement matchmaking sessions, ensuring all participants—be they ski resorts or suppliers—can benefit from collaborative opportunities.

In its quest to spark broader participation in winter sports, the WWSE will host exciting initiatives such as the Winter Sports Carnival, featuring immersive experiences and engaging events to inspire attendees. The expo’s interactive setup promises not only to revitalize the consumer market but also to promote sustainability through the second-hand sports equipment trade.

Looking Forward: A Call to Collaboration

As the WWSE moves into this new decade, the expo will launch notable research initiatives, such as the upcoming report on China's Winter Sports Industry Development, along with plans to establish a research institute. This institute is poised to leverage global expertise while ensuring that innovation remains at the forefront.

A highlight of the press conference was a roundtable discussion with industry experts, which focused on how to drive innovation through rising consumer demand for winter sports. Topics covered included policy analysis and technological advancements, underscoring the potential paths for future growth and innovation in the sector.

In conclusion, the World Winter Sports Expo 2025 stands as both a celebration of a decade of achievements in the industry and a bold stepping stone towards future advancements, collaboration, and growth in winter sports. As the event unfolds, it will undoubtedly continue to elevate China's stature in the global sports arena, heralding a new chapter in international winter sports collaboration and development.